Yearn-Worthy Yarns: O-Wool from Vermont Organic Fiber Co

O-Wool Organic Wool/Organic Cotton YarnCuddly sweaters, warm throw blankets, chic slippers – these all can be knitted or crocheted from one fantastic fiber: sheep’s wool. Founded in January 2000, Vermont Organic Fiber Company is the world’s leading wholesale supplier of yarns and fabrics made with certified organic wool. Thankfully, you no longer have to be a business to get a hold of their superior goods – just this past year, VOFC branched out into the retail hand-knitting yarn world.

You might remember me mentioning Vermont Organic’s yarn in the Yearn-Worthy Yarns: Blue Sky Alpacas post. The particular yarn I used for the scarf was their O-Wool Balance yarn (shown at left), which is made from 50% organic wool and 50% organic cotton. The mildly marbled look is beautifully earthy and features a very low itch factor.

In addition to the O-Wool Balance yarn, which now comes in 18 unspeakably exquisite colors, Vermont Organic Fiber Co has two yarns made from 100% organic wool, which is certified organic in both the USA and Europe. The O-Wool Classic yarn is specifically woven to keep stitches from pilling and to get softer with every wash. It comes in 19 colors (as well as “natural”) that are consistent and smooth, making for very even knitting. The O-Wool Classic 2-Ply yarn is different from the Classic yarn in both weight and colors offered. Instead of the Classic 4-ply yarn, this yarn is 2-ply, making it a fingering weight perfect for baby goods, lace, and other intricate projects. Currently offered in only eight colors, you choices with this yarn are a bit more limited but nonetheless appealing.

What would a yarn site be without patterns? Vermont Organic Fiber Co doesn’t disappoint, with a collection of patterns from publications and specifically designed for each yarn type. A few online stores sell VOFC, but if you are looking to experience it in-person first (which I guarantee is more than worth it), you can search for retailers in the US, Canada, and Internationally via their website. Companies like Patagonia, Near Sea Naturals, Sahalie, Wildlife Works and many others have been depending on Vermont Organic Fiber Company’s organic wool yarns and fabrics to make their products for years and now us home crafters can get our hands on them as well.

[Image courtesy of Purl Soho; O-Wool Organic Wool/Organic Cotton “Balance” Yarn in Rose Quartz]

Who makes your favorite sustainable yarns?

Which natural fiber is your favorite to work with? (i.e. cotton, wool, bamboo, hemp … etc.)

Let us know what you love to create with and we might feature them in the next installment of Yearn-Worthy Yarns!

15 thoughts on “Yearn-Worthy Yarns: O-Wool from Vermont Organic Fiber Co”

  1. What sources do you have for wool in which the animals are treated with the utmost care and respect? What a gift they have “offered” to us when they give up their wooly coats for our comfort. I’m very interested in finding wool that I can knit with and feel good about using. I have used some wool yarns without really thinking about the animals that they have come from. Since I have been educated in regard to the way that the animals are treated, as product, rather than living beings, I’m hesitant to continue to use wool from unethical sources. Can anyone help with suggestions? Organic is great but at what cost still to the animals?

  2. What sources do you have for wool in which the animals are treated with the utmost care and respect? What a gift they have “offered” to us when they give up their wooly coats for our comfort. I’m very interested in finding wool that I can knit with and feel good about using. I have used some wool yarns without really thinking about the animals that they have come from. Since I have been educated in regard to the way that the animals are treated, as product, rather than living beings, I’m hesitant to continue to use wool from unethical sources. Can anyone help with suggestions? Organic is great but at what cost still to the animals?

  3. Sheryl Ferraro

    What sources do you have for wool in which the animals are treated with the utmost care and respect? What a gift they have “offered” to us when they give up their wooly coats for our comfort. I’m very interested in finding wool that I can knit with and feel good about using. I have used some wool yarns without really thinking about the animals that they have come from. Since I have been educated in regard to the way that the animals are treated, as product, rather than living beings, I’m hesitant to continue to use wool from unethical sources. Can anyone help with suggestions? Organic is great but at what cost still to the animals?

  4. Pingback: Yearn Worthy Yarn: A Look Back : Crafting a Green World

  5. Looking for a pair of handmade, wool slippers, (boiled)? And with little “grippers” on the sole. Saw some at the craft fair in East Burke a few weeks ago and meant to go back and get a pair from the woman who makes them, but got sidetracked with our friends and never did go back. If anyone can help me to locate her or someone else that makes them, (kind of like a clog, but with a back)I would very much appreciate! Karen

  6. Looking for a pair of handmade, wool slippers, (boiled)? And with little “grippers” on the sole. Saw some at the craft fair in East Burke a few weeks ago and meant to go back and get a pair from the woman who makes them, but got sidetracked with our friends and never did go back. If anyone can help me to locate her or someone else that makes them, (kind of like a clog, but with a back)I would very much appreciate! Karen

  7. Looking for a pair of handmade, wool slippers, (boiled)? And with little “grippers” on the sole. Saw some at the craft fair in East Burke a few weeks ago and meant to go back and get a pair from the woman who makes them, but got sidetracked with our friends and never did go back. If anyone can help me to locate her or someone else that makes them, (kind of like a clog, but with a back)I would very much appreciate! Karen

  8. Looking for a pair of handmade, wool slippers, (boiled)? And with little “grippers” on the sole. Saw some at the craft fair in East Burke a few weeks ago and meant to go back and get a pair from the woman who makes them, but got sidetracked with our friends and never did go back. If anyone can help me to locate her or someone else that makes them, (kind of like a clog, but with a back)I would very much appreciate! Karen

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